Thursday, July 16, 2009

"Iron Man 2" is almost completely finished shooting principle photography and this morning came our first look at Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow. The first images of Johansson came via Entertainment Weekly's Comic Con Edition releasing next week. Jon Favreau also updated the world on Twitter and the result is pretty solid. I still have my reservations about Johansson playing the Black Widow, but she definately has the look of Natasha down. I only fear that Scarlett Johansson may pull viewers out of the film. "Iron Man 2" is set for a May 7, 2010 release date, but you can get a glimpse at footage if your heading to Comic Con Saturday July 25th. Checkout the cover of Entertainment Weekly below and read more about what cast members Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle and Mickey Rourke and to say about the highly anticipated sequel.

Robert Downey Jr. admits the sequel is being watched much more closely than the first time he played Tony Stark. He told EW, "There are a lot more invisible eyes on us now." Robert Downey Jr. continued to explains why the stakes are higher with the sequel. "People are going to be more critical," says Downey. "That’s their prerogative….In a way, there's no way to win, except to win. Big." RDJ's sly answer is spot on and I have faith that Favreau should pull through nicely with the sequel.

We all know there is a new villain this time around Ivan Vanko or Whiplash, and Mickey Rourke tells EW he did not want to just play the character straight-up. He said, "I told Favreau, 'I don't want to just play him as a one-dimensional pussy.'" Rourke continued, "He let me have a cockatoo, who I talk to and get drunk with while I’m making my suit." With Rourke's colorful past, there is some reason for alarm when Mickey asks for his character to be allowed to get drunk. (I have heard rumblings from a trusted insider that Rourke would tend to have a few drink stints while on set) Let's just hope Rourke doesn't go too overboard with his rekindled career.

Don Cheadle who stepped in to replace Terrance Howard as Jim Rhodes told EW that "Iron Man 2" deals with the acting change within the film. He clarified, "Terrence and I couldn’t be more different. We address it head-on in the movie in one exchange. We're not trying to fool people." Cheadle also admitts to EW that prior to the first film releasing he wasn't a fan of Iron Man. He said, "I always thought Iron Man was a robot." I'll give Cheadle credit for at least being honest. I am tired of every actor that is casted in a particular comic role swearing they have always loved the said comic.

What say you? Do you think Iron Man 2 will be as good if not better than the first film? Will both Rourke and Johansson deliver quality performances? Strikeback...